Greetings,

It's been awhile since I've done an update on the Proposition 21 campaign and we definitely want to keep this issue in the forefront of your minds. It's going to take all of us working hard to pass this vital ballot measure for the survival of our State Parks.

The State Parks and Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund Act of 2010 is a statewide initiative on the November 2, 2010 ballot, that will provide a stable, reliable and adequate source of funding to protect state parks and conserve wildlife. The initiative will give California vehicles free admission to state parks in exchange for a new $18 vehicle license fee, which will be specifically dedicated to state parks and wildlife conservation.

The measure provides for a Citizen's Oversight Committee and an annual audit, both of which will ensure Californians that our $18 fee is used only for state parks, urban river parkways, wildlife, natural lands and ocean conservation programs.

We have all seen how budget cuts have starved state parks, causing them to accumulate a backlog of more than $1 billion in needed maintenance and repairs. Roofs and sewage systems leak, restrooms are not cleaned regularly, bridges have collapsed, trails are washed out, campgrounds and visitor centers are shuttered and buildings and structures throughout the system are badly deteriorated. Thousands of scenic acres are closed to the public because of reductions in park rangers, and crime has more than doubled. Destruction and vandalism of the parks themselves has grown fourfold, and beachgoers are often unprotected because of decreases in lifeguards. If this ballot measure does not pass in November we will see more of these conditions and certainly State Park closures.

This is our chance to SAVE OUR STATE PARKS and we need everyone to help us. In the months ahead, Stewards will again step up and get the word out to VOTE YES ON PROP 21!

Let me know if you can help in the following ways (mluna@mcn.org):

• Provide park visitors with Prop 21 information in local State Parks and encourage them to Vote YES.
• Attend the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors meeting on August 24th to encourage their endorsement. Contact us for the details.
• Endorse the campaign yourself at www.yesforstateparks.com and purchase items at their online store (bumper stickers and yard signs) to publicize the initiative.
• Email your family and friends to encourage their support, join various facebook pages associated with supporting our parks and spreading the word!
  • Stewards facebook
  • Yes for State Parks facebook
  • California State Parks facebook
  • California State Parks Foundation facebook
  • Save the Redwoods League facebook

Also, Volunteers are still needed for the Bodega Festival on Saturday afternoon, Sunday morning and Sunday afternoon - email us with your availability.

Don't forget to get your tickets early for the Old Grove Festival. It's going to be a wonderful event this year and tickets are limited for each show!

As always, thanks for your support,

Michele Luna, Executive Director

Board Members Needed

Stewards is now recruiting for new board members. This is a wonderful opportunity to get involved behind the scenes with our growing organization and work with a fun and dedicated group of volunteers. We have a working board that is expected to make the following committment for a 2-3 year time period:

• Attend monthly board meetings comprised of bi-monthly business meetings and alternate-month board socials, which are a potluck with a guest speaker or special discussion topic.
• Participate on one standing committee, which generally meets monthly.
• Assist at special events and support fundraising efforts.
• Act as a good spokesperson for Stewards and represent Stewards at various community events.

Stewards is looking for a diversity of individualts who represent all park users with expertise in the areas of marketing, law, finance and fund raising.

If you are interested please contact Michele Luna at mluna@mcn.org and we will send you an info packet.

Bodega Seafood, Art and Wine Festival
Annual Rubber Duck Race

August 28 & 29, 2010, 10-6 Sat., 10-5 Sun.

Volunteers are still needed on Saturday afternoon, Sunday morning and Sunday afternoon - email us with your availability.

The Annual Bodega, Seafood, Art and Wine Festival is always a great time with wonderful entertainment, wine/beer tasting, fabulous arts and craft vendors. The first place prize for the Rubber Duck race is a $3,000 hot tub! If you didn't receive our mailing you can get your duck race tickets on our webite.

Also check out the festival website where you can purchase entrance tickets at a discount online this year.

Full Moon Hikes - Austin Creek and Sonoma Coast

Stewards in association with CA State Parks are proud to offer Full Moon Hikes!  Bring your favorite local legend or ghost story, and a sense of adventure!  We will be doing a moderate/strenuous 3-4 mile hike, lasting approximately 3 hours depending on stops.  Constellation spotting, wildlife sightings with black lights, storytelling, and the beauty of our State Parks by the light of the moon will be the focus of our hikes.  Come enjoy this unique opportunity to explore the trails after dark!  Dress in layers, wear good hiking shoes and bring a small flashlight just in case.  No dogs and no drugs/alcohol!  Please leave valuables at home or carry them with you.  All hikes will start ½ hour after official sunset. These hikes are not for inexperienced hikers-you must be in good physical condition!

Hikes will be led by Stewards' Naturalist, Gina Bradley. Feel free to email Gina if you have any questions.

Hikes at Austin Creek SRA will meet and park at the Gilliam Creek Trailhead - See map
Tuesday, August 24, 2010, Meet 8:30pm

Register online.

Hikes at Sonoma Coast SP will meet and park at the Shell Beach Parking Lot - See map
Saturday, September 18, 2010, Meet 7:45pm
Saturday, October 23, 2010, Meet 7:00pm
Saturday, November 20, 2010, Meet 5:30pm    

Jenner Headlands Hike
August 17, 2010, 10:00 to 3:30, watch for new dates that are being added for October and November.
Visit our website for all the details and to register online.

Old Grove Festival
Friday and Saturday, September 24 & 25, 2010

It takes about 100 volunteers to put on the Old Grove Festival. Volunteers have a unique opportunity to camp in the Grove at Armstrong Redwoods and of course enjoy the great music that this year's festival offers. Volunteers are needed on Thursday (set-up), Friday and Saturday (parking, trail guides, concessions, ticket sales, shuttle drivers and more) and on Sunday for cleanup. Email us with your job preference and the time frame that you are available.

Friday Evening - "Hoedown in the Redwoods"
Gates open - 5:00 pm
Opener: Edge of Town
Headliner: Laurie Lewis and the Right Hands - "Superb Bluegrass"
Admission: $25/person or $40/redwood circle

Saturday Daytime - Gates open at 11:30 am
The Mighty Chiplings, Jim Ocean, The Fargo Brothers and The Thugz
Admission: only $10 per person

Saturday Evening - "Aloha in the Grove"
Gates open at 5:00 pm
Opener: Taimalietane Islands of Polynesia Dance Troupe
Headliner: Ledward Kaapana
"Incomparable Slack Key"
Admission: $25/person or $40/redwood circle

Plus The Great Hawaiian Feast - $10 per person

For Evening Performances:
General admission: $25
Redwood Circle (first 4 rows): $40
Children (5-12): $10
(Muliple shows and group purchases made at one time under one name receive reserved seats.)

For more information visit our website.
Ticket Sales online.

Michele Luna, Executive Director
Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods